In the interest of full disclosure, there are dozens of fabricated phantasms and optical illusions in Kansas City’s granddaddy of haunted houses, The Edge of Hell.

But that 24-foot Reticulated Python who looks like he could squeeze the evil out of the devil, himself?

That creature is real.The Reticulated Python coiled up in a darkened nook of the cavernous turn-of-the-century brick warehouse at 1300 West 12th Street weighs 300 pounds (plus or minus, depending on when she has last eaten). Fed regularly, the contented serpent generally just winks as the harried guests of the haunted house hurry past.

Her handler, Edge of Hell’s general manager Larry Edgar, believes she is already the biggest, living snake in captivity. He expects to apply for a Guinness Record in the Spring.

The Reticulated Python dates back to the Dinosaur Age and is the king of all snakes in size. It will eat a 75 lb pig in one sitting and its girth and weight can expand quickly. Females generally grow bigger than males.

Edgar has been handling reptiles since he was a child and has a passion for all animals -- even though he was once almost killed by a Reticulated Python.

He said the snake (not the current resident of the Edge of Hell) got confused and went after him, biting him on his ankle then wrapping itself around his handler until he lost consciousness. Fortunately, Edgar’s wife was with him at the time, and with all the commotion the snake got confused. When a nearby humidifier turned on and started to rumble, the snake let go and went after the humidifier, allowing enough time for Edgar to free himself.

Still. Edgar loves handling snakes and other reptiles. He is thrilled when people tell him they make a point to go to the Edge of Hell and its companion haunt, Beast, to see the animals.

Among the “real live” creatures living in the haunted attractions are two Reticulated Pythons, an Anaconda and several Boa Constrictors, plus an eight foot alligator at The Beast.

Full Moon Productions company operates four premier haunted attractions in Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms neighborhood, including her granddaddy, The Edge of Hell , opened in 1975; The Beast , with its foggy forests, cemeteries and lurking monsters; and the two newest attractions, The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe andMacabre Cinema .Media Contacts: Amber Arnett-Bequeaith 816.842.4280 - 913.406.7833Stacey McBride 816.305.6514